aloha & welcome as a new member in the kamehameha...

Membership Primer for Hawaii’s Most

Progressive Lions Club

Club Website klcfoundation.org

Irwin P.K. Santos – Membership Chair

Kamehameha – Revision #9

9/15/2010

Aloha & Welcome as a New Member in the Kamehameha Lions Club!

Email: Irwin@isle‐cc.comPhone: 946‐8107

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Aloha & Welcome!

Welcome to our Kamehameha Lions Club. We are pleased to have you as a member. Our list of officers and contact numbers are at the back of this booklet if you have any questions. Please visit our website http://www.klcfoundation.org for more comprehensive supportive information including upcoming projects, events, club history and pictures. We encourage you to join us at every available opportunity.

Table of Contents

• The Basics o What’s expected of you? o General Membership Meetings o Membership Dues o How do I get my Lions vest and other Gear? o History of the Lions and the Kamehameha

Lions Club o How do I get involved in a Service Project

or Event? • Who’s Who? • Pins, Awards, and Recognition • What do you bring to the table? • Committees • Chairing a Committee • Leadership • Club Main Calendar Events • Who to Contact

The Basics

• What’s expected of You?

Kamehameha Lions are service‐minded men and women who are interested in improving our community. We are young people, families and Baby Boomers alike. To become a Lion is to become an active volunteer, a member of a respected international organization, a leader in our community and a friend to people in need.

There are many reasons why you’ve become member. As a Lion, you'll: o Help your community and gain valuable skills o Make an impact on people's lives – locally and internationally o Learn to be a leader – and lead a respected organization o Network with business people in your community and around the world o Energize your life and have fun

You'll grow personally and professionally. And you'll know that what you do is worthwhile and appreciated.

The club asks all members to participate when possible. Some members have more time than others. We understand that Lions members have personal needs, family lives, and other obligations. Do what you can, when you can!

At the very least, check your email and respond to club correspondence.


• General Membership Meetings o Held every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month

unless otherwise noted. Please visit our website http://www.klcfoundation.org for any changes in the calendar schedule or call the Club Secretary. Our meetings are held at the Saint Louis Alumni Center. Fellowship at 6pm‐6:30pm, Meeting starts 6:30pm. On average, most meetings end between 8pm‐8:30pm. However, please plan to stay till 9pm. Dinners are generally $12/person unless otherwise noted and payable to the Club Treasurer prior to 6:30pm. Prospective Lions Club Member GUESTS are allowed to attend for FREE (one time only). Should you wish to bring a guest, you’ll have to indicate that in your RSVP.

o All active members are strongly encouraged to attend meetings regularly. Members who maintain perfect attendance during the fiscal year may be given an annual 100% perfect attendance award. If a member misses a meeting, he or she has the opportunity to make up the meeting by attending a club board meeting, a region or zone meeting, the meeting of another club or a club committee meeting. The Club Secretary has complete details regarding your club’s make‐up policies. Excused absences; sickness, and trips to the mainland, ‐ do not have to be made up.

o Meeting Agendas are usually sent out to club members via email. Print a copy for yourself and bring to the meeting. There will be a limited amount of additional printed copies available at the meeting.

o The Meeting Structure: Call to Order, Opening Ceremony, Introduction of Guests, Dinner, Announcements & Tail Twisting, Guest Speaker (if one is scheduled), Unfinished Business, New Business, Closing Song (see chart), and adjournment.

o Ceremony (Opening) – All Club Members are asked to participate when called upon. The ceremony starts off with the invocation, The Pledge of Allegiance, The Lions Pledge, and a patriotic opening song, normally “America the Beautiful”. (See chart)

o “THE TAIL TWISTER” – is an officer and the ‘pep master’ of his Lions Club. His/her duties are to instill enthusiasm and good fellowship in the meetings, and to keep harmony. They are also in charge of fundraising during the evening through creative means. Members are asked to participate in supporting the clubs activity fee. Bring a few bucks extra to the meeting.

o Drinking Alcohol at the Club Meeting – alcoholic beverages are permitted and can be purchased at the Saint Louis Alumni Center Bar. Hot Coffee, Tea, and Water are provided as part of your dinner fee covers this cost.

The Pledge of Allegiance America I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims' pride, From every mountainside. Let freedom ring!

International Lions Pledge Hawaii Ponoi (Closing Song) I pledge allegiance to my country and to the cause of peace throughout the World. I believe in the principles of Lionism as contained in the Lions Code of Ethics. I am proud to be a Lion dedicated to the service of others.

Hawaii ponoi Nana i kou, moi Kalani Alii, ke Alii. Makua lani e Kamehameha e Na kaua e pale Me ka i he.


• Membership Dues Finance is the life‐blood of any organization. Our club is systematic in its dues collection process in order to plan our cash flow and allow for our administrative expenses. The initial membership fee for the Kamehameha Lions Club is $100. This includes dues to cover till the end of the fiscal year June 30th. Here is the breakdown of your $100

o $25.00 to Lions Club International (LCIF) as a new membership fee o $39.70 to Lions Club International to cover annual dues, which includes a subscription to the "Lion"

magazine o $24.70 to the District 50 Hawaii Lions administration fund annually o $10.60 is applied to the cost of your Club Work T‐shirt, Club Pin, and Nametag. The Club’s Administration

account subsidizes the difference of the actual cost and pays on your behalf Members are given the option to purchase a Club Vest, and Club Polo Shirt approximately $75, the exact cost is determined at time of purchase. The annual due of $100 doesn’t include meals, or other costs that may be incurred by participating in a Lions function and/or event.

• How do I get my Lions vest and other Gear? These are included in your new membership fee. Place your order through the Membership Director. o Work T‐Shirt ‐ We generally have in stock, sizes

Small, Medium, Large, and X‐Large. Other sizes need to be special ordered. Simply provide your size at the earliest opportunity.

o Name Badge ‐ These are special ordered. First and Last name preferred, however, we do allow nicknames.

o Lions & Kamehameha Club Pin ‐ Are issued during membership induction.

These items are optional and will cost approximately $75. Payment needs to be received prior to placing the order. At the time of order an exact cost will be given to you.

o Lions Vests & Blue Polo Shirts ‐ Provide sizes. While you’re at the General Membership Meeting, you can ask any of the members to try on a vest for sizing.

• History of the Lions and the Kamehameha Lions Club

In The Beginning...The International Association of Lions Clubs was started by a Chicago insurance agent named Melvin Jones, who consolidated several clubs into one strong influential service organization.

23 clubs participated in the first Association Convention that commenced on October 8, 1917.

Today, Lions Clubs International (LCI), are the largest and most active service organization in the world, with nearly 1.4 million members in over 180 countries worldwide.


Kamehameha Lions History ‐ LCI chartered the Kamehameha Lions Club on October 21, 1948.

o Kamehameha members made many unique contributions to Lionism. Among them, Charter member Kamehameha Lion George Akau is credited as the person who originally coined the International Lions motto now used throughout the world: “WE SERVE”.

o Ours was also the first club internationally to be named after an individual. Charter members named the club after King Kamehameha to honor his strength and power in uniting the people of Hawaii as the first monarch of the Islands.

o Our 53 Charter members came together in 1948 from a variety of professions in business, government, entertainment, science, and education. Prospective new members were carefully screened through background checks of police records; scrutinized for financial responsibility and integrity! We're not probing or restrictive these days, but we still seek members of high character and integrity that truly want to serve their community.

o In 2007, our club proudly created the Kamehameha Lions Club Foundation 501(c)3 charity, and, formed our first LEO Club for youth leadership in partnership with Kamehameha Schools.

o In 2009, two additional Leos Clubs were formed and sponsored by the Kamehameha Lions; Sacred Hearts Academy, and La Pietra School for Girls.

• How do I get involved in a Service Project or Event?

At meetings, explanations of activities are covered and sign‐up sheets are passed out. Sign‐up accordingly keeping in mind that you have committed and are expected to show up at the designated location and time. Should something come up which prevents you from participating, contact the committee chair, or Club Secretary to notify the appropriate person in charge.

Work shirts are the default dress code for physical labor projects. Polo shirts can also be used for service projects, and will also include social events. Vests can be used at any function, although keep in mind the practicality of use.

Who’s Who?

Of the many Kamehameha Lions Club Officers and Board of Directors, here are the ones that you’ll interact with the most:

o President – Presides over the meeting and will issue communiqué to all members.

o Secretary – This officer is the main conduit between members, to officers, to District level administration and Lions Club International. Email is the prime form of communication with all members. However, not all members have email and will be contacted via phone.

o Treasurer – In charge of collecting monies for dinner, events, and membership dues. The treasurer’s responsibility also includes preparation of an annual budget and issuance of payment for expenses.

o Tail Twister – As described above under General Membership Meetings, this officer will be “fun”raising during meetings.

New Members are encouraged to mingle and network with other members & club officers. Likewise, old members are asked to introduce and possibly mentor cubs. It is highly recommended when attending a meeting, that you sit next to someone new and get acquainted.


Pins, Awards, and Recognition

Lions club members do not serve others in order to receive financial rewards. The rewards they seek are less tangible, but no less real. Their rewards lie in the satisfaction of helping people in need; improving numerous communities; acquiring leadership skills; associating with professional, business and government leaders; and in

making loyal and lifelong friends.

There is perhaps no greater reward for a Lion’s service than a simple “thank you,” sincerely expressed. At every level of the association, awards are available to provide a more permanent form of appreciation.

YOUR FIRST PIN…When you become a Kamehameha Lions Club member, you’re given the official Lions Club International Foundation “L” pin, which is primarily worn on your vest OR can be removed and placed on your left shirt collar as part of your day to day dress.

The Kamehameha Lions Club Pin – Each member receives the club pin which is placed on your

vest. These pins are unique to each Lions Club identification.

“Proud Lion” & “Proud Lion Too” Awards – One of the basic awards is the Proud Lion. New members can easily achieve and acquire the award by completing tasks associated to the pin requirements. Visit the District 50 Hawaii Lions website link here to find out the details: http://www.hawaiilions.org/proud_lion.asp

Other Awards, Pins, and Recognition – As you serve the Lions organization, you will meet other members and acquire pins through gifting or trade, participate in events that provide pins, or cited with a recognition pin. Through time, length of service, and commitment to volunteerism, you will garner more pins.

What do YOU bring to the table?

Every member possesses different skills and specialties. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to accomplish the service projects that the club sponsors, but it does take time, presence, and involvement.

However, if you have special skills, knowledge, and/or talent due to your profession or hobbies, the membership committee would like to know about it. As we volunteer, it would be to the club’s advantage to strategically place someone knowledgeable of the task at hand on certain projects. He/She are assets to rely on for information and/or instruction.

Committees

Club projects and activities are originated and led by club committees under the direction of a committee chairman. The Club President generally appoints the chairman and committee members. There are two general classifications of club committees: administrative and activities‐based.

Examples of administrative committees include: attendance, constitution and by‐laws, convention, finance, information technology, leadership development, Lions information, membership, program, public relations‐bulletin editor and greeter. Activities committees are set up to address specific community needs as well as to provide support for international services.

Activity committees include 1. Youth and Education with programs such as Leo Club Program, youth exchange program, 2. Health, Drug Awareness, Sight and Hearing with programs like sight conservation and work with the


blind, hearing and speech action and work with the deaf, 3. International Relations, Citizenship and Recreation, and 4. Public Service and Environment.

The chairmen of each committee will call periodic meetings of their members, and are frequently asked to attend board meetings to report their progress to the officers and directors. Vice presidents also communicate these activities to the general membership.

Chairing a Committee

The opportunity for leadership positions in the Kamehameha Lions Club is virtually unlimited. Many Club members are already "movers and shakers" in the community through business and professional activities. All members can develop leadership skills through training and experience offered in the Club. All you need to do is take it upon yourself and inform the President that you’re available. Other members are willing to help you out, simply by asking. Most times, the service project or event is in‐line with each individuals skill set and aptitude. Usually, after experiencing similar projects is a pre‐requisite, not required, but very helpful in leading the committee.

Leadership

In order to be a Great Leader, you’ll have to be good follower. Within the club, you can be either‐or, or even better, BOTH! Good leaders are made not born.

If you have the desire and willpower, you can become an effective leader. Good leaders develop through a never ending process of self‐study, education, training, and experience. The Kamehameha Lions Club is always looking out for a few members that can take charge. If you feel that you are this type of person, simply express that to the Club President.

Club Main Calendar of Events

Almost all events and projects are posted on the Kamehameha Lions Club Foundation website: http://www.klcfoundation.org

Here are Major events to look out for:

Charter Night – The annual celebration of the original charter of the Kamehameha Lions Club on October 21, 1948. The party is usually scheduled near this date.

Installation Night – This is the evening where a new slate of officers is officially inducted into their positions for the next fiscal year. It is also a celebratory event.

“Laughs for Lions” – This Comedy event is the ONLY major fundraiser held during the year in August.

“Aloha Festival Parade” – The Lions partake in this with a show of presence. Held in late September, the 3‐mile walk through Kalakaua Avenue gives exposure to the community. It is asked that ALL Lions members throughout the state participate.

“Liliha Palama Christmas Parade” – The Kamehameha Lions Club services this community area. The annual parade is modest in size, though thousands of people come out to welcome the trolley full of Lions that are tossing Christmas candy. A club dinner follows, lending a nice touch in the beginning of the Holiday Season.

“Honolulu Marathon” – Kamehameha Lions & Friends of the club amass at Ala Moana Shopping Center at 1am. Members position themselves with banners fronting the starting line and guide runners & walkers to their final position. Basically, we hold back 25,000 people.


“Great Aloha Run” – An annual event held on Presidents Day February. The Hawaii Lions make their way to Aloha Stadium and are in charge of folding and handing out Finisher T‐shirts. Amongst the Lions present are several Leo Clubs that assist. It is a District wide event for all Hawaii Lions to participate.

“District 50 Convention” – Deemed the Mecca for Hawaii Lions to attend. Here, Hawaii Lions gather from all the various clubs in the state. Generally, business is conducted, Keynote speakers are present, and Awards are handed out, some form of Entertainment each evening along with food. All nights end up at several hospitality rooms.

The Annual Convention is a GREAT place to pickup ideas from other Lions Club members. Not to mention enjoying the camaraderie of other like minded service oriented people. It is held late April‐early May.

Who to Contact

Most information beyond this primer is posted on the Kamehameha Lions Club website: http://www.klcfoundation.org

Even more information, including news stories and announcements are available on the District 50 website: http://www.hawaiilions.org

• Should you need to reach other members and don’t know how to contact them, contact the Club Secretary • If you want to pay your annual membership, dinner fee, or make other remittance, contact the Club Treasurer • If you have a great idea for the club meetings, service projects, and/or events, contact the Club President • Contact the Membership Chair if you have a special skill or talent that you can offer the club as an asset.

See following insert for contact information:

aloha & welcome as a new member in the kamehameha...

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